Opportunities for Public Participation in the Regulation of Hydraulic Fracturing Operations in Alberta

Abstract

There are no legal participatory rights in Alberta hydraulic fracturing rulemaking, though public input has been sought in the Regulator’s discretion. Nor are there clear participatory rights in individual hydraulic fracturing decisions. Public participation opportunities are in the Regulator’s structured discretion. They are similar to participatory opportunities for all oil and gas activities in Alberta. However, a pilot project that involves single collaborative well approvals in a shale resource development area, suggests the potential for more extensive public consultation and participation.

Keywords: fracking; hydraulic fracturing; public participation; energy regulation; oil and gas

JEL Classification: K23; L29; K32